Hamilton buses will return to the city's streets from today after the Go Bus company and First Union reached an agreement ending the lockout of bus drivers, as well as providing a pathway towards a significant lift in their wages.
The buses will operate normally from today, while important school services will start on Monday.
The decision was confirmed on Friday evening after a series of meetings between Go Bus, First Union, the Waikato Regional Council and the Hamilton City Council.
Hamilton mayor Andrew King said, "Bus drivers have important jobs in our city, and we think it is vital that they are able to earn a fair income for that work, so we are pleased that there is now an agreement that will move towards that".
Mr King said he was pleased the Hamilton City Council was able to "work closely with the Waikato Regional Council to help promote the resolution to the dispute".
"We are partners in the provision of quality public transport for Hamilton, and today we were able to show how effective that partnership can be."
The details of the agreement will be reported to the City Council's Growth and Infrastructure Committee for discussion by councillors on December 6.
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